Breaking Out Of The Mould

Businessman turned sculptor, New York-based Raj Shahani found his calling after almost 30 years as a successful professional. Tina Thakrar finds out how his sculptures unleashed his creative potential propelling him into a world of fulfillment.

- Tina Thakrar

This story, about a successful businessman, product inventor, marketing whiz, ace photographer, philanthropist, traveller and closet artist, is about how life sometimes comes full circle; how it always leads you on the path you’re meant to follow; and how it’s never too late to pursue your passion and see your dream through to the very end.

Mumbai-born Raj Shahani spent over three decades as a businessman and marketing maestro with companies in different corners of the world. Only two years ago though, Raj revisited his lurking childhood love for the arts, and in this short span has launched himself in New York and Mumbai, as a sculptor to be reckoned with.

Growing up in a gated community in Mumbai, Raj reminisces about his childhood, peppered with personal limitations, but otherwise joyful. He battled heavy dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which went undiagnosed at the time and deemed him an inattentive and troublesome child who preferred to spend his time poring over art supplies rather than books. Despite showing creative talent as a kid, his family and his school never placed much importance on art. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, this was not a viable career path. Plus Raj’s dad was battling with serious ill health, which took its toll on the family as well.

For someone looking from the outside in, this may seem like a difficult phase, but Raj is quick to correct this notion. “My mother held us together; my two younger sisters and I. She instilled good values and taught us to always take the high road. She made us strong and brought us closer as a family.”